City a kaleidoscope of lights for Shopping Festival

Dubai is decked out with novel decorations and glittering lights to usher in this year's Dubai Shopping Festival. After months of elaborate planning, the Municipality, responsible for introducing the massive changes, has completed the task of giving the Shopping Festival its most visible face.

Mohammed Al Noori, head of the Decoration Committee, said, "We have incorporated new elements to enhance the visual appeal in every corner of Dubai. The effort has been to ensure that each part of the city looks different."

Distinctive touches have been given to each landmark or roundabout. Colourful arches, spanning the entire road, have been built at key locations. Each arch has been designed differently, to reflect the activities in the vicinity. The arches have been installed at Dubai airport, Creek Park, Muraqqabat Street, Al Riqqa Street, Al Seef, Heritage Village and Dubai Airport Expo.

Streets have been decorated with figures of Globes, Rings, Happy Faces and clusters of Flowers, Stars and Swirls. All designs represent the Dubai Shopping Festival 2001 theme One World, One Family, One Festival.

In addition, 87 locations have been identified for special lighting, including the Dubai Airport. The Fish Roundabout is designed on the lines of a fish aquarium. The Clocktower has been lit with changing colours and special effects. The Buqadra Roundabout on the way to Nad Al Sheba is themed on galloping horses. Sheikh Zayed Road is festooned with rope lights, from Dubai World Trade Centre to the Defence Roundabout, and with crystal lights and honeycomb lights among palm trees.

Al Noori noted that bushes along main streets have been singled out for special lighting, to add to the festive atmosphere. New types of 'star' lights have been installed among the bushes for added effect. "We have tried to innovate in all areas of decoration,' said Al Noori.

"Signs in the shape of giant-size figures of Casper, Tarzan, Pokemon and clowns direct people to the respective venues. These figures are made of fibre glass to avoid damage due to wind and other elements."

"Our workers have been working round-the-clock for the past few days to complete the extensive decoration and lighting jobs," said Al Noori. "We are proud that we have been able to create something that will set the right mood for this exciting festival."